Infrared camera systems and methods for maritime applications

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods disclosed herein provide for some embodiments infrared camera systems for maritime applications. For example in one embodiment, a watercraft includes a plurality of image capture components coupled to the watercraft to capture infrared images around at least a substantial portion of a perimeter of the watercraft; a memory component adapted to store the captured infrared images; a processing component adapted to process the captured infrared images according to a man overboard mode of operation to provide processed infrared images and determine if a person falls from the watercraft; and a display component adapted to display the processed infrared images.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This continuation patent application claims the benefit of and priorityto U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/761,803 filed on Feb. 7, 2013,which is a continuation of and claims the benefit of and priority toU.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/946,801 filed on Nov. 28, 2007, nowU.S. Pat. No. 8,384,780, issued Feb. 26, 2013, all of which areincorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to infrared imaging systems and, inparticular, to infrared camera systems and methods for maritimeapplications.

BACKGROUND

Infrared cameras are utilized in a variety of imaging applications tocapture infrared images. For example, infrared cameras may be utilizedfor maritime applications to enhance visibility under various conditionsfor a naval crew. However, there generally are a number of drawbacks forconventional maritime implementation approaches for infrared cameras.

One drawback of conventional infrared cameras is that a user isgenerally not allowed to switch between different processing techniquesduring viewing of the infrared image or the optimal settings may bedifficult to determine by the user. Another drawback is thatuser-controlled processing may occur post capture, after initialprocessing has been performed, which generally lessens the user's inputand control and may result in a less than desirable image beingdisplayed.

As a result, there is a need for improved techniques for providingselectable viewing controls for infrared cameras. There is also a needfor improved infrared camera processing techniques for maritimeapplications (e.g., for various types of watercraft, including largevessels, such as cargo ships and cruise ships).

SUMMARY

Systems and methods disclosed herein, in accordance with one or moreembodiments, provide processing techniques and modes of operation forinfrared cameras for maritime applications. For example in oneembodiment, an infrared camera system for watercraft is disclosed tomonitor the watercraft's perimeter to detect a man overboard condition.The infrared images may be processed, for example in one embodiment,based on the man overboard mode of operation or other selectable modesof operation for the infrared camera system. An alert may be providedand a searchlight and/or narrow field of view camera may be directed toan area of interest if a man overboard condition exists.

More specifically in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure, a watercraft includes a plurality of image capturecomponents coupled to the watercraft to capture infrared images aroundat least a substantial portion of a perimeter of the watercraft; amemory component adapted to store the captured infrared images; aprocessing component adapted to process the captured infrared imagesaccording to a man overboard mode of operation to provide processedinfrared images and determine if a person falls from the watercraft; anda display component adapted to display the processed infrared images.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, amethod includes obtaining a plurality of infrared images around at leasta substantial portion of a perimeter of a watercraft; storing theinfrared images; processing the infrared images according to a manoverboard mode of operation to provide a plurality of processed infraredimages; determining if a man overboard condition exists based on theprocessed infrared images; and generating an alert signal if a manoverboard condition exists based on the determining.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, acomputer-readable medium is provided on which is stored information forperforming a method which includes obtaining a plurality of infraredimages around at least a substantial portion of a perimeter of awatercraft; processing the infrared images according to a man overboardmode of operation to provide a plurality of processed infrared images;determining if a man overboard condition exists based on the processedinfrared images; and generating an alert signal if a man overboardcondition exists based on the determining.

The scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims, which areincorporated into this section by reference. A more completeunderstanding of embodiments of the present disclosure will be affordedto those skilled in the art, as well as a realization of additionaladvantages thereof, by a consideration of the following detaileddescription of one or more embodiments. Reference will be made to theappended sheets of drawings that will first be described briefly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1B show block diagrams illustrating various infrared imagingsystems for capturing and processing infrared images in accordance withvarious embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 1C-1D show block diagrams illustrating various configurations forthe infrared imaging systems in accordance with various embodiments ofthe present disclosure.

FIGS. 1E-1F show block diagrams illustrating various views of theinfrared imaging systems in accordance with various embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram illustrating a method for capturing andprocessing infrared images in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIGS. 3A-3F show block diagrams illustrating infrared processingtechniques in accordance with various embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 4 shows a block diagram illustrating an overview of infraredprocessing techniques in accordance with various embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 5 shows a block diagram illustrating a control component of theinfrared imaging system for selecting between different modes ofoperation in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 shows a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of an imagecapture component of infrared imaging systems in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 shows a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a method formonitoring image data of the infrared imaging systems in accordance withan embodiment of the present disclosure.

Embodiments of the present disclosure and their advantages are bestunderstood by referring to the detailed description that follows. Itshould be appreciated that like reference numerals are used to identifylike elements illustrated in one or more of the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 1Ashows a block diagram illustrating an infrared imaging system 100A forcapturing and processing infrared images. Infrared imaging system 100Acomprises a processing component 110, a memory component 120, an imagecapture component 130, a display component 140, a control component 150,and optionally a sensing component 160.

In various implementations, infrared imaging system 100A may representan infrared imaging device, such as an infrared camera, to captureimages, such as image 170. Infrared imaging system 100A may representany type of infrared camera, which for example detects infraredradiation and provides representative data (e.g., one or more snapshotsor video infrared images). For example, infrared imaging system 100A mayrepresent an infrared camera that is directed to the near, middle,and/or far infrared spectrums. Infrared imaging system 100A may comprisea portable device and may be incorporated, for example, into a vehicle(e.g., a naval vehicle, a land-based vehicle, an aircraft, or aspacecraft) or a non-mobile installation requiring infrared images to bestored and/or displayed.

Processing component 110 comprises, in one embodiment, a microprocessor,a single-core processor, a multi-core processor, a microcontroller, alogic device (e.g., a programmable logic device configured to performprocessing functions), a digital signal processing (DSP) device, or someother type of generally known processor. Processing component 110 isadapted to interface and communicate with components 120, 130, 140, 150and 160 to perform method and processing steps as described herein.Processing component 110 may comprise one or more mode modules 112A-112Nfor operating in one or more modes of operation, which is described ingreater detail herein. In one implementation, mode modules 112A-112Ndefine preset display functions that may be embedded in processingcomponent 110 or stored on memory component 120 for access and executionby processing component 110. Moreover, processing component 110 may beadapted to perform various other types of image processing algorithms ina manner as described herein.

In various implementations, it should be appreciated that each of modemodules 112A-112N may be integrated in software and/or hardware as partof processing component 110, or code (e.g., software or configurationdata) for each of the modes of operation associated with each modemodule 112A-112N, which may be stored in memory component 120.Embodiments of mode modules 112A-112N (i.e., modes of operation)disclosed herein may be stored by a separate computer-readable medium(e.g., a memory, such as a hard drive, a compact disk, a digital videodisk, or a flash memory) to be executed by a computer (e.g., a logic orprocessor-based system) to perform various methods disclosed herein. Inone example, the computer-readable medium may be portable and/or locatedseparate from infrared imaging system 100A, with stored mode modules112A-112N provided to infrared imaging system 100A by coupling thecomputer-readable medium to infrared imaging system 100A and/or byinfrared imaging system 100A downloading (e.g., via a wired or wirelesslink) the mode modules 112A-112N from the computer-readable medium. Asdescribed in greater detail herein, mode modules 112A-112N provide forimproved infrared camera processing techniques for real timeapplications, wherein a user or operator may change the mode whileviewing an image on display component 140.

Memory component 120 comprises, in one embodiment, one or more memorydevices to store data and information. The one or more memory devicesmay comprise various types of memory including volatile and non-volatilememory devices, such as RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read-OnlyMemory), EEPROM (Electrically-Erasable Read-Only Memory), flash memory,etc. Processing component 110 is adapted to execute software stored inmemory component 120 to perform methods, processes, and modes ofoperations in manner as described herein.

Image capture component 130 comprises, in one embodiment, one or moreinfrared sensors (e.g., any type of infrared detector, such as a focalplane array) for capturing infrared image signals representative of animage, such as image 170. In one implementation, the infrared sensors ofimage capture component 130 provide for representing (e.g., converting)a captured image signal of image 170 as digital data (e.g., via ananalog-to-digital converter included as part of the infrared sensor orseparate from the infrared sensor as part of infrared imaging system100A). Processing component 110 may be adapted to receive the infraredimage signals from image capture component 130, process the infraredimage signals (e.g., to provide processed image data), store theinfrared image signals or image data in memory component 120, and/orretrieve stored infrared image signals from memory component 120.Processing component 110 may be adapted to process infrared imagesignals stored in memory component 120 to provide image data (e.g.,captured and/or processed infrared image data) to display component 140for viewing by a user.

Display component 140 comprises, in one embodiment, an image displaydevice (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD)) or various other types ofgenerally known video displays or monitors. Processing component 110 maybe adapted to display image data and information on display component140. Processing component 110 may also be adapted to retrieve image dataand information from memory component 120 and display any retrievedimage data and information on display component 140. Display component140 may comprise display electronics, which may be utilized byprocessing component 110 to display image data and information (e.g.,infrared images). Display component 140 may receive image data andinformation directly from image capture component 130 via processingcomponent 110, or the image data and information may be transferred frommemory component 120 via processing component 110. In oneimplementation, processing component 110 may initially process acaptured image and present a processed image in one mode, correspondingto mode modules 112A-112N, and then upon user input to control component150, processing component 110 may switch the current mode to a differentmode for viewing the processed image on display component 140 in thedifferent mode. This switching may be referred to as applying theinfrared camera processing techniques of mode modules 112A-112N for realtime applications, wherein a user or operator may change the mode whileviewing an image on display component 140 based on user input to controlcomponent 150.

Control component 150 comprises, in one embodiment, a user input and/orinterface device having one or more user actuated components, such asone or more push buttons, slide bars, rotatable knobs or a keyboard,that are adapted to generate one or more user actuated input controlsignals. Control component 150 may be adapted to be integrated as partof display component 140 to function as both a user input device and adisplay device, such as, for example, a touch screen device adapted toreceive input signals from a user touching different parts of thedisplay screen. Processing component 110 may be adapted to sense controlinput signals from control component 150 and respond to any sensedcontrol input signals received therefrom. Processing component 110 maybe adapted to interpret the control input signal as a value, which willbe described in greater detail herein.

Control component 150 may comprise, in one embodiment, a control panelunit 500 (e.g., a wired or wireless handheld control unit) having one ormore push buttons adapted to interface with a user and receive userinput control values, as shown in FIG. 5 and further described herein.In various implementations, one or more push buttons of control panelunit 500 may be utilized to select between the various modes ofoperation as described herein in reference to FIGS. 2-4. For example,only one push button may be implemented and which is used by theoperator to cycle through the various modes of operation (e.g., nightdocking, man overboard, night cruising, day cruising, hazy conditions,and shoreline), with the selected mode indicated on the displaycomponent 140. In various other implementations, it should beappreciated that control panel unit 500 may be adapted to include one ormore other push buttons to provide various other control functions ofinfrared imaging system 100A, such as auto-focus, menu enable andselection, field of view (FoV), brightness, contrast, gain, offset,spatial, temporal, and/or various other features and/or parameters. Inanother implementation, a variable gain value may be adjusted by theuser or operator based on a selected mode of operation.

In another embodiment, control component 150 may comprise a graphicaluser interface (GUI), which may be integrated as part of displaycomponent 140 (e.g., a user actuated touch screen), having one or moreimages of, for example, push buttons adapted to interface with a userand receive user input control values.

Optional sensing component 160 comprises, in one embodiment, one or morevarious types of sensors, including environmental sensors, dependingupon the desired application or implementation requirements, whichprovide information to processing component 110. Processing component110 may be adapted to communicate with sensing component 160 (e.g., byreceiving sensor information from sensing component 160) and with imagecapture component 130 (e.g., by receiving data from image capturecomponent 130 and providing and/or receiving command, control or otherinformation to and/or from other components of infrared imaging system100A).

In various implementations, optional sensing component 160 may providedata and information relating to environmental conditions, such asoutside temperature, lighting conditions (e.g., day, night, dusk, and/ordawn), humidity level, specific weather conditions (e.g., sun, rain,and/or snow), distance (e.g., laser rangefinder), and/or whether atunnel, a covered dock, or that some type of enclosure has been enteredor exited. Optional sensing component 160 may represent conventionalsensors as would be known by one skilled in the art for monitoringvarious conditions (e.g., environmental conditions) that may have anaffect (e.g., on the image appearance) on the data provided by imagecapture component 130.

In some embodiments, optional sensing component 160 (e.g., one or moreof sensors 106) may comprise devices that relay information toprocessing component 110 via wireless communication. For example,sensing component 160 may be adapted to receive information from asatellite, through a local broadcast (e.g., radio frequency)transmission, through a mobile or cellular network and/or throughinformation beacons in an infrastructure (e.g., a transportation orhighway information beacon infrastructure) or various other wired orwireless techniques.

In various embodiments, components of image capturing system 100A may becombined and/or implemented or not, as desired or depending upon theapplication or requirements, with image capturing system 100Arepresenting various functional blocks of a system. For example,processing component 110 may be combined with memory component 120,image capture component 130, display component 140 and/or sensingcomponent 160. In another example, processing component 110 may becombined with image capture component 130 with only certain functions ofprocessing component 110 performed by circuitry (e.g., a processor, amicroprocessor, a microcontroller, a logic device, etc.) within imagecapture component 130. In still another example, control component 150may be combined with one or more other components or be remotelyconnected to at least one other component, such as processing component110, via a control wire to as to provide control signals thereto.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 1Bshows a block diagram illustrating an infrared imaging system 100B forcapturing and processing infrared images. Infrared imaging system 100Bcomprises, in one embodiment, a processing component 110, an interfacecomponent 118, a memory component 120, one or more image capturecomponents 130A-130N, a display component 140, a control component 150,and optionally a sensing component 160. It should be appreciated thatvarious components of infrared imaging system 100B of FIG. 1B may besimilar in function and scope to components of infrared imaging system100A of FIG. 1A, and any differences between the systems 100A, 100B aredescribed in greater detail herein.

In various implementations, infrared imaging system 100B may representone or more infrared imaging devices, such as one or more infraredcameras, to capture images, such as images 170A-170N. In general,infrared imaging system 100B may utilize a plurality of infraredcameras, which for example detect infrared radiation and providerepresentative data (e.g., one or more snapshots or video infraredimages). For example, infrared imaging system 100B may include one ormore infrared cameras that are directed to the near, middle, and/or farinfrared spectrums. As discussed further herein, infrared imaging system100B may be incorporated, for example, into a vehicle (e.g., a navalvehicle or other type of watercraft, a land-based vehicle, an aircraft,or a spacecraft) or a non-mobile installation requiring infrared imagesto be stored and/or displayed.

Processing component 110 is adapted to interface and communicate with aplurality of components including components 118, 120, 130A-130N, 140,150, and/or 160 of system 100B to perform method and processing steps asdescribed herein. Processing component 110 may comprise one or more modemodules 112A-112N for operating in one or more modes of operation, whichis described in greater detail herein. Processing component 110 may beadapted to perform various other types of image processing algorithms ina manner as described herein.

Interface component 118 comprises, in one embodiment, a communicationdevice (e.g., modem, router, switch, hub, or Ethernet card) that allowscommunication between each image capture component 130A-130N andprocessing component 110. As such, processing component 110 is adaptedto receive infrared image signals from each image capture component130A-130N via interface component 118.

Each image capture component 130A-130N (where “N” represents any desirednumber) comprises, in various embodiments, one or more infrared sensors(e.g., any type of infrared detector, such as a focal plane array, orany type of infrared camera, such as infrared imaging system 100A) forcapturing infrared image signals representative of an image, such as oneor more images 170A-170N. In one implementation, the infrared sensors ofimage capture component 130A provide for representing (e.g., converting)a captured image signal of for example, image 170A as digital data(e.g., via an analog-to-digital converter included as part of theinfrared sensor or separate from the infrared sensor as part of infraredimaging system 100B). As such, processing component 110 may be adaptedto receive the infrared image signals from each image capture component130A-130N via interface component 118, process the infrared imagesignals (e.g., to provide processed image data or the processed imagedata may be provided by each image capture component 130A-130N), storethe infrared image signals or image data in memory component 120, and/orretrieve stored infrared image signals from memory component 120.Processing component 110 may be adapted to process infrared imagesignals stored in memory component 120 to provide image data (e.g.,captured and/or processed infrared image data) to display component 140(e.g., one or more displays) for viewing by a user.

In one implementation as an example, referring briefly to FIG. 6, eachimage capture component 130A-130N may comprise one or more components,including a first camera component 132, a second camera component 134,and/or a searchlight component 136. In one embodiment as shown in FIG.6, first camera component 132 is adapted to capture infrared images in amanner as described herein, second camera component 134 is adapted tocapture color images in a visible light spectrum, and searchlightcomponent 136 is adapted to provide a beam of light to a position withinan image boundary of the one or more images 170 (e.g., within a field ofview of first camera component 132 and/or second camera component 134).Further scope and function related to each of these components isdescribed in greater detail herein.

FIG. 1C shows a top-view of infrared imaging system 100B having aplurality of image capture components 130A-130D (e.g., infrared cameras)mounted to a watercraft 180 in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent disclosure. In various implementations, image capture components130A-130D may comprise any type of infrared camera (e.g., infrareddetector device) adapted to capture one or more infrared images.Watercraft 180 may represent any type of watercraft (e.g., a boat,yacht, ship, cruise ship, tanker, commercial vessel, military vessel,etc.).

As shown in FIG. 1C, a plurality of image capture components 130A-130Dmay be mounted in a configuration at different positions on watercraft180 in a manner so as to provide one or more fields of view aroundwatercraft 180. In various implementations, an image capture component130A may be mounted to provide a field of view ahead of or around a bow182 (e.g., forward or fore part) of watercraft 180. As further shown, animage capture component 130B may be mounted to provide a field of viewto the side of or around a port 184 (e.g., left side when facing bow182) of watercraft 180. As further shown, an image capture component130C may be mounted to provide a field of view to the side of or arounda starboard 186 (e.g., right side when facing bow 182) of watercraft180. As further shown, an image capture component 130D may be mounted toprovide a field of view behind of or around a stern 188 (e.g., rear oraft part) of watercraft 180.

Thus, in one implementation, a plurality of infrared capture components130A-130D (e.g., infrared cameras) may be mounted around the perimeterof watercraft 180 to provide fields of view thereabout. As an exampleand as discussed further herein, watercraft 180 may incorporate infraredimaging system 100B to provide man overboard detection, to assist duringvarious modes of operation, such as night docking, night cruising,and/or day cruising of watercraft 180, and/or to provide variousinformation, such as improved image clarity during hazy conditions or toprovide a visual indication of the horizon and/or shoreline.

FIG. 1D shows a top-view of infrared imaging system 100B having aplurality of image capture components 130E-130H (e.g., infrared cameras)mounted to a control tower 190 (e.g., bridge) of watercraft 180 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG. 1D, a plurality of image capture components 130E-130H may bemounted to control tower 190 in a configuration at different positionson watercraft 180 in a manner so as to provide one or more fields ofview around watercraft 180. In various implementations, image capturecomponent 130E may be mounted to provide a field of view of bow 182 ofwatercraft 180. As further shown, image capture component 130F may bemounted to provide a field of view of port 184 of watercraft 180. Asfurther shown, image capture component 130G may be mounted to provide afield of view of starboard 186 of watercraft 180. As further shown,image capture component 130H may be mounted to provide a field of viewof stern 188 of watercraft 180. Thus, in one implementation, a pluralityof image capture components 130E-130H (e.g., infrared cameras) may bemounted around control tower 190 of watercraft 180 to provide fields ofview thereabout. Furthermore as shown, image capture components 130B and130C may also be mounted on control tower 190 of watercraft 180.

FIG. 1E shows the port-side-view of infrared imaging system 100B havingport-side image capture component 130B of FIG. 1B mounted to watercraft180 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Inreference to FIG. 1E, image capture component 130B provides a port-sidefield of view around watercraft 180.

In one implementation, image capture component 130B may provide a fieldof view of a port-side image of watercraft 180. In anotherimplementation, the port-side field of view may be segmented into aplurality of views B₁-B₆. For example, image capture component 130E maybe adapted to provide one or more segmented narrow fields of view of theport-side field of view including one or more forward port-side viewsB₁-B₃ and one or more rearward port-side views B₄-B₆. In still anotherimplementation, as shown in FIG. 6, image capture component 130B maycomprise a plurality of image capture components 132 (and optionally aplurality of image capture components 134) to provide the plurality ofsegmented or narrowed fields of view B₁-B₆ within the overall port-sidefield of view of watercraft 180.

As further shown in FIG. 1E, the port-side fields of view B₁-B₆ ofwatercraft 180 may extend through a viewing range from image capturecomponent 130B to a water surface 198 adjacent to watercraft 180.However, in various implementations, the viewing range may include aportion below the water surface 198 depending on the type of infrareddetector utilized (e.g., type of infrared camera, desired wavelength orportion of the infrared spectrum, and other relevant factors as would beunderstood by one skilled in the art).

FIG. 1F shows an example of locating and identifying a man overboardwithin the port-side field of view of port-side image capture component130B mounted to watercraft 180 in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent disclosure. In general, image capture component 130B may be usedto identify and locate a man overboard (e.g., within the narrowedport-side field of view B₃) of watercraft 180. Once the man overboard isidentified and located, processing component 110 of infrared imagingsystem 100B may control or provide information (e.g., slew-to-queue) toposition searchlight component 136 within the port-side field of view B₃to aid in visual identification and rescue of the man overboard. Itshould be understood that searchlight component 136 may be separate fromimage capture component 130B (e.g., separate housing and/or control) ormay be formed as part of image capture component 130B (e.g., within thesame housing or enclosure). Further scope and function related to thisprocedure is described in greater detail herein.

FIG. 2 shows a method 200 for capturing and processing infrared imagesin accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. For purposesof simplifying discussion of FIG. 2, reference may be made to imagecapturing systems 100A, 100B of FIGS. 1A, 1B as an example of a system,device or apparatus that may perform method 200.

Referring to FIG. 2, an image (e.g., infrared image signal) is captured(block 210) with infrared imaging system 100A, 100B. In oneimplementation, processing component 110 induces (e.g., causes) imagecapture component 130 to capture an image, such as, for example, image170. After receiving the captured image from image capture component130, processing component 110 may optionally store the captured image inmemory component 120 for processing.

Next, the captured image may optionally be pre-processed (block 215). Inone implementation, pre-processing may include obtaining infrared sensordata related to the captured image, applying correction terms, and/orapplying temporal noise reduction to improve image quality prior tofurther processing. In another implementation, processing component 110may directly pre-process the captured image or optionally retrieve thecaptured image stored in memory component 120 and then pre-process theimage. Pre-processed images may be optionally stored in memory component120 for further processing.

Next, a selected mode of operation may be obtained (block 220). In oneimplementation, the selected mode of operation may comprise a user inputcontrol signal that may be obtained or received from control component150 (e.g., control panel unit 500 of FIG. 5). In variousimplementations, the selected mode of operation may be selected from atleast one of night docking, man overboard, night cruising, day cruising,hazy conditions, and shoreline mode. As such, processing component 110may communicate with control component 150 to obtain the selected modeof operation as input by a user. These modes of operation are describedin greater detail herein and may include the use of one or more infraredimage processing algorithms.

In various implementations, modes of operation refer to presetprocessing and display functions for an infrared image, and infraredimagers and infrared cameras are adapted to process infrared sensor dataprior to displaying the data to a user. In general, display algorithmsattempt to present the scene (i.e., field of view) information in aneffective way to the user. In some cases, infrared image processingalgorithms are utilized to present a good image under a variety ofconditions, and the infrared image processing algorithms provide theuser with one or more options to tune parameters and run the camera in“manual mode”. In one aspect, infrared imaging system 100A, 100B may besimplified by hiding advanced manual settings. In another aspect, theconcept of preset image processing for different conditions may beimplemented in maritime applications.

Next, referring to FIG. 2, the image is processed in accordance with theselected mode of operation (block 225), in a manner as described ingreater detail herein. In one implementation, processing component 110may store the processed image in memory component 120 for displaying. Inanother implementation, processing component 110 may retrieve theprocessed image stored in memory component 120 and display the processedimage on display component 150 for viewing by a user.

Next, a determination is made as to whether to display the processedimage in a night mode (block 230), in a manner as described in greaterdetail herein. If yes, then processing component 110 configures displaycomponent 140 to apply a night color palette to the processed image(block 235), and the processed image is displayed in night mode (block240). For example, in night mode (e.g., for night docking, nightcruising, or other modes when operating at night), an image may bedisplayed in a red palette or green palette to improve night visioncapacity for a user. Otherwise, if night mode is not necessary, then theprocessed image is displayed in a non-night mode manner (e.g., black hotor white hot palette) (block 240).

In various implementations, the night mode of displaying images refersto using a red color palette or green color palette to assist the useror operator in the dark when adjusting to low light conditions. Duringnight operation of image capturing system 100A, 100B, human visualcapacity to see in the dark may be impaired by the blinding effect of abright image on a display monitor. Hence, the night mode setting changesthe color palette from a standard black hot or white hot palette to ared or green color palette display. In one aspect, the red or greencolor palette is generally known to interfere less with human nightvision capacity. In one example, for a red-green-blue (RGB) type ofdisplay, the green and blue pixels may be disabled to boost the redcolor for a red color palette. In another implementation, the night modedisplay may be combined with any other mode of operation of infraredimaging system 100A, 100B, as described herein, and a default displaymode of infrared imaging system 100A, 100B at night may be the nightmode display.

Furthermore in various implementations, certain image features may beappropriately marked (e.g., color-indicated or colorized, highlighted,or identified with other indicia), such as during the image processing(block 225) or displaying of the processed image (block 240), to aid auser to identify these features while viewing the displayed image. Forexample, as discussed further herein, during a man overboard mode, asuspected person (e.g., or other warm-bodied animal or object) may beindicated in the displayed image with a blue color (or other color ortype of marking) relative to the black and white palette or night colorpalette (e.g., red palette). As another example, as discussed furtherherein, during a night time or daytime cruising mode and/or hazyconditions mode, potential hazards in the water may be indicated in thedisplayed image with a yellow color (or other color or type of marking)to aid a user viewing the display. Further details regarding imagecolorization may be found, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,849,849,which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In various implementations, processing component 110 may switch theprocessing mode of a captured image in real time and change thedisplayed processed image from one mode, corresponding to mode modules112A-112N, to a different mode upon receiving user input from controlcomponent 150. As such, processing component 110 may switch a currentmode of display to a different mode of display for viewing the processedimage by the user or operator on display component 140. This switchingmay be referred to as applying the infrared camera processing techniquesof mode modules 112A-112N for real time applications, wherein a user oroperator may change the displayed mode while viewing an image on displaycomponent 140 based on user input to control component 150.

FIGS. 3A-3E show block diagrams illustrating infrared processingtechniques in accordance with various embodiments of the presentdisclosure. As described herein, infrared imaging system 100A, 100B isadapted to switch between different modes of operation so as to improvethe infrared images and information provided to a user or operator.

FIG. 3A shows one embodiment of an infrared processing technique 300 asdescribed in reference to block 225 of FIG. 2. In one implementation,the infrared processing technique 300 comprises a night docking mode ofoperation for maritime applications. For example, during night docking,a watercraft or sea vessel is in the vicinity of a harbor, jetty ormarina, which have proximate structures including piers, buoys, otherwatercraft, other structures on land. A thermal infrared imager (e.g.,infrared imaging system 100A, 100B) may be used as a navigational toolin finding a correct docking spot. The infrared imaging system 100A,100B produces an infrared image that assists the user or operator indocking the watercraft. There is a high likelihood of hotspots in theimage, such as dock lights, vents and running motors, which may have aminimal impact on how the scene is displayed.

Referring to FIG. 3A, the input image is histogram equalized and scaled(e.g., 0-511) to form a histogram equalized part (block 302). Next, theinput image is linearly scaled (e.g., 0-128) while saturating thehighest and lowest (e.g., 1%) to form a linearly scaled part (block304). Next, the histogram-equalized part and the linearly scaled partare added together to form an output image (block 306). Next, thedynamic range of the output image is linearly mapped to fit the displaycomponent 140 (block 308). It should be appreciated that the block orderin which the process 300 is executed may be executed in an differentorder without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

In one embodiment, the night docking mode is intended for image settingswith large amounts of thermal clutter, such as a harbor, a port, or ananchorage. The settings may allow the user to view the scene withoutblooming on hot objects. Hence, infrared processing technique 300 forthe night docking mode is useful for situational awareness in maritimeapplications when, for example, docking a watercraft with lowvisibility.

In various implementations, during processing of an image when the nightdocking mode is selected, the image is histogram equalized to compressthe dynamic range by removing “holes” in the histogram. The histogrammay be plateau limited so that large uniform areas, such as sky or watercomponents, are not given too much contrast. For example, approximately20% of the dynamic range of the output image may be preserved for astraight linear mapping of the non-histogram equalized image. In thelinear mapping, for example, the lowest 1% of the pixel values aremapped to zero and the highest 1% of the input pixels are mapped to amaximum value of the display range (e.g., 235). In one aspect, the finaloutput image becomes a weighted sum of the histogram equalized andlinearly (with 1% “outlier” cropping) mapped images.

FIG. 3B shows one embodiment of an infrared processing technique 320 asdescribed in reference to block 225 of FIG. 2. In one implementation,the infrared processing technique 320 comprises a man overboard mode ofoperation for maritime applications. For example, in the man overboardmode, image capturing system 100A, 100B may be tuned to the specifictask of finding a person in the water. The distance between the personin the water and the watercraft may not be known, and the person may beonly a few pixels in diameter or significantly larger if lying close tothe watercraft. In one aspect, even t a person may be close to thewatercraft, the person may have enough thermal signature to be clearlyvisible, and thus the man overboard display mode may target the casewhere the person has weak thermal contrast and is far enough away so asto not be clearly visible without the aid of image capturing system100A, 100B.

Referring to FIG. 3B, image capture component 130 (e.g., infraredcamera) of image capturing system 100A, 100B is positioned to resolve oridentify the horizon (block 322). In one implementation, the infraredcamera is moved so that the horizon is at an upper part of the field ofview (FoV). In another implementation, the shoreline may also beindicated along with the horizon. Next, a high pass filter (HPF) isapplied to the image to form an output image (block 324). Next, thedynamic range of the output image is linearly mapped to fit the displaycomponent 140 (block 326). It should be appreciated that the block orderin which the process 320 is executed may be executed in an differentorder without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

In one example, horizon identification may include shorelineidentification, and the horizon and/or shoreline may be indicated by aline (e.g., a red line or other indicia) superimposed on a thermal imagealong the horizon and/or the shoreline, which may be useful for user oroperators to determine position of the watercraft in relation to theshoreline. Horizon and/or shoreline identification may be accomplishedby utilizing a real-time Hough transform or other equivalent type oftransform applied to the image stream, wherein this image processingtransform finds linear regions (e.g., lines) in an image. The real-timeHough transform may also be used to find the horizon and/or shoreline inopen ocean when, for example, the contrast may be low. Under clearconditions, the horizon and/or shoreline may be easy identified.However, on a hazy day, the horizon and/or shoreline may be difficult tolocate.

In general, knowing where the horizon and/or shoreline are is useful forsituational awareness. As such, in various implementations, the Houghtransform may be allied to any of the modes of operation describedherein to identify the horizon and/or shoreline in an image. Forexample, the shoreline identification (e.g., horizon and/or shoreline)may be included along with any of the processing modes to provide a line(e.g., any type of marker, such as a red line or other indicia) on thedisplayed image and/or the information may be used to position theinfrared camera's field of view.

In one embodiment of the man overboard mode, signal gain may beincreased to bring out minute temperature differences of the ocean, suchas encountered when looking for a hypothermic body in a uniform oceantemperature that may be close to the person's body temperature. Imagequality is traded for the ability to detect small temperature changeswhen comparing a human body to ocean temperature. Thus, infraredprocessing technique 320 for the man overboard mode is useful forsituational awareness in maritime applications when, for example,searching for a man overboard proximate to the watercraft.

In various implementations, during processing of an image when the manoverboard mode is selected, a high pass filter is applied to the image.For example, the signal from the convolution of the image by a Gaussiankernel may be subtracted. The remaining high pass information islinearly stretched to fit the display range, which may increase thecontrast of any small object in the water. In one enhancement of the manoverboard mode, objects in the water may be marked, and the systemsignals the watercraft to direct a searchlight at the object. Forsystems with both visible and thermal imagers, the thermal imager isdisplayed. For zoom or multi-FoV systems, the system is set in a wideFoV. For pan-tilt controlled systems with stored elevation settings forthe horizon, the system is moved so that the horizon is visible justbelow the upper limit of the field of view.

In one embodiment, the man overboard mode may activate a locateprocedure to identify an area of interest, zoom-in on the area ofinterest, and position a searchlight on the area of interest. Forexample, the man overboard mode may activate a locate procedure toidentify a position of a object (e.g., a person) in the water, zoom-inthe infrared imaging device (e.g., an infrared camera) on the identifiedobject in the water, and then point a searchlight on the identifiedobject in the water. In various implementations, these actions may beadded to process 200 of FIG. 2 and/or process 320 of FIG. 3B and furtherbe adapted to occur automatically so that the area of interest and/orlocation of the object of interest may be quickly identified andretrieved by a crew member.

FIG. 3C shows one embodiment of an infrared processing technique 340 asdescribed in reference to block 225 of FIG. 2. In one implementation,the infrared processing technique 340 comprises a night cruising mode ofoperation for maritime applications. For example, during night cruising,the visible channel has limited use for other than artificiallyilluminated objects, such as other watercraft. The thermal infraredimager may be used to penetrate the darkness and assist in theidentification of buoys, rocks, other watercraft, islands and structureson shore. The thermal infrared imager may also find semi-submergedobstacles that potentially lie directly in the course of the watercraft.In the night cruising mode, the display algorithm may be tuned to findobjects in the water without distorting the scene (i.e., field of view)to the extent that it becomes useless for navigation.

In one embodiment, the night cruising mode is intended for low contrastsituations encountered on an open ocean. The scene (i.e., field of view)may be filled with a uniform temperature ocean, and any navigationalaids or floating debris may sharply contrast with the uniformtemperature of the ocean. Therefore, infrared processing technique 340for the night cruising mode is useful for situational awareness in, forexample, open ocean.

Referring to FIG. 3C, the image is separated into a background imagepart and a detailed image part (block 342). Next, the background imagepart is histogram equalized (block 344) and scaled (e.g., 0-450) (block346). Next, the detailed image part is scaled (e.g., 0-511) (block 348).Next, the histogram-equalized background image part and the scaleddetailed image part are added together to form an output image (block350). Next, the dynamic range of the output image is linearly mapped tofit the display component 140 (block 352). It should be appreciated thatthe block order in which the process 340 is executed may be executed inan different order without departing from the scope of the presentdisclosure.

In various implementations, during processing of an image when the nightcruising mode is selected, the input image is split into detailed andbackground image components using a non-linear edge preserving low passfilter (LPF), such as a median filter or by anisotropic diffusion. Thebackground image component comprises a low pass component, and thedetailed image part is extracted by subtracting the background imagepart from the input image. To enhance the contrast of small andpotentially weak objects, the detailed and background image componentsmay be scaled so that the details are given approximately 60% of theoutput/display dynamic range. In one enhancement of the night cruisingmode, objects in the water are tracked, and if they are on directcollision course as the current watercraft course, then they are markedin the image, and an audible and/or visual alarm may be sounded and/ordisplayed, respectively. In some implementations, for systems with bothvisible and thermal imager, the thermal imager may be displayed bydefault.

In one embodiment, a first part of the image signal may include abackground image part comprising a low spatial frequency high amplitudeportion of an image. In one example, a low pass filter (e.g., low passfilter algorithm) may be utilized to isolate the low spatial frequencyhigh amplitude portion of the image signal (e.g., infrared imagesignal). In another embodiment, a second part of the image signal mayinclude a detailed image part comprising a high spatial frequency lowamplitude portion of an image. In one example, a high pass filter (e.g.,high pass filter algorithm) may be utilized to isolate the high spatialfrequency low amplitude portion of the image signal (e.g., infraredimage signal). Alternately, the second part may be derived from theimage signal and the first part of the image signal, such as bysubtracting the first part from the image signal.

In general for example, the two image parts (e.g., first and secondparts) of the image signal may be separately scaled before merging thetwo image parts to produce an output image. For example, the first orsecond parts may be scaled or both the first and second parts may bescaled. In one aspect, this may allow the system to output an imagewhere fine details are visible and tunable even in a high dynamic rangescene. In some instances, as an example, if an image appears less usefulor degraded by some degree due to noise, then one of the parts of theimage, such as the detailed part, may be suppressed rather thanamplified to suppress the noise in the merged image to improve imagequality.

FIG. 3D shows one embodiment of an infrared processing technique 360 asdescribed in reference to block 225 of FIG. 2. In one implementation,the infrared processing technique 360 comprises a day cruising mode ofoperation for maritime applications. For example, during day cruising,the user or operator may rely on human vision for orientationimmediately around the watercraft. Image capturing system 100A, 100B maybe used to zoom in on objects of interest, which may involve reading thenames of other watercraft, and searching for buoys, structures on land,etc.

Referring to FIG. 3D, the image is separated into a background imagepart and a detailed image part (block 362). Next, the background imagepart is histogram equalized (block 364) and scaled (e.g., 0-511) (block366). Next, the detailed image part is scaled 0-255 (block 368). Next,the histogram-equalized background image part and the scaled detailedimage part are added together to form an output image (block 370). Next,the dynamic range of the output image is linearly mapped to fit thedisplay component 140 (block 372). It should be appreciated that theblock order in which the process 360 is executed may be executed in andifferent order without departing from the scope of the presentdisclosure.

In one embodiment, the day cruising mode is intended for higher contrastsituations, such as when solar heating leads to greater temperaturedifferences between unsubmerged or partially submerged objects and theocean temperature. Hence, infrared processing technique 360 for the daycruising mode is useful for situational awareness in, for example, highcontrast situations in maritime applications.

In various implementations, during processing of an image when the daycruising mode is selected, the input image is split into its detailedand background components respectively using a non-linear edgepreserving low pass filter, such as a median filter or by anisotropicdiffusion. For color images, this operation may be achieved on theintensity part of the image (e.g., Y in a YCrCb format). The backgroundimage part comprises the low pass component, and the detailed image partmay be extracted by subtracting the background image part from the inputimage. To enhance the contrast of small and potentially weak objects,the detailed and background image parts may be scaled so that thedetails are given approximately 35% of the output/display dynamic range.For systems with both visible and thermal imagers the visible image maybe displayed by default.

FIG. 3E shows one embodiment of an infrared processing technique 380 asdescribed in reference to block 225 of FIG. 2. In one implementation,the infrared processing technique 380 comprises a hazy conditions modeof operation for maritime applications. For example, even during daytimeoperation, a user or operator may achieve better performance from animager using an infrared (MWIR, LWIR) or near infrared (NIR) wave band.Depending on vapor content and particle size, a thermal infrared imagermay significantly improve visibility under hazy conditions. If neitherthe visible nor the thermal imagers penetrate the haze, image capturingsystem 100A, 100B may be set in hazy conditions mode under which system100A, 100B attempts to extract what little information is available fromthe chosen infrared sensor. Under hazy conditions, there may be littlehigh spatial frequency information (e.g., mainly due, in one aspect, toscattering by particles). The information in the image may be obtainedfrom the low frequency part of the image, and boosting the higherfrequencies may drown the image in noise (e.g., temporal and/or fixedpattern).

Referring to FIG. 3E, a non-linear edge preserving low pass filter (LPF)is applied to the image (block 382). Next, the image is histogramequalized (block 384) and scaled (block 386) to form a histogramequalized output image. Next, the dynamic range of the output image islinearly mapped to fit the display component 140 (block 388). It shouldbe appreciated that the block order in which the process 380 is executedmay be executed in an different order without departing from the scopeof the present disclosure.

In various implementations, during processing of an image when the hazyconditions mode is selected, a non-linear, edge preserving, low passfilter, such as median or by anisotropic diffusion is applied to theimage (i.e., either from the thermal imager or the intensity componentof the visible color image). In one aspect, the output from the low passfilter operation may be histogram equalized and scaled to map thedynamic range to the display and to maximize contrast of the display.

FIG. 3F shows one embodiment of an infrared processing technique 390 asdescribed in reference to block 225 of FIG. 2. In one implementation,the infrared processing technique 390 comprises a shoreline mode ofoperation for maritime applications.

Referring to FIG. 3F, the shoreline may be resolved (block 392). Forexample as discussed previously, shoreline identification (e.g., horizonand/or shoreline) may be determined by applying an image processingtransform (e.g., a Hough transform) to the image (block 392), which maybe used to position the infrared camera's field of view and/or toprovide a line (e.g., any type of marker, such as a red line(s) or otherindicia on the displayed image. Next, the image is histogram equalized(block 394) and scaled (block 396) to form an output image. Next, thedynamic range of the output image is linearly mapped to fit the displaycomponent 140 (block 398). It should be appreciated that the block orderin which the process 390 is executed may be executed in a differentorder without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

In one implementation, the information produced by the transform (e.g.,Hough transform) may be used to identify the shoreline or even thehorizon as a linear region for display. The transform may be applied tothe image in a path separate from the main video path (e.g., thetransform when applied does not alter the image data and does not affectthe later image processing operations), and the application of thetransform may be used to detect linear regions, such as straight lines(e.g., of the shoreline and/or horizon). In one aspect, by assuming theshoreline and/or horizon comprises a straight line stretching the entirewidth of the frame, the shoreline and/or horizon may be identified as apeak in the transform and may be used to maintain the field of view in aposition with reference to the shoreline and/or horizon. As such, theinput image (e.g., preprocessed image) may be histogram equalized (block394) and scaled (block 396) to generate an output image, and then thetransform information (block 392) may be added to the output image tohighlight the shoreline and/or horizon of the displayed image.

Moreover, in the shoreline mode of operation, the image may be dominatedby sea (i.e., lower part of image) and sky (i.e., upper part of image),which may appear as two peaks in the image histogram. In one aspect,significant contrast is desired over the narrow band of shoreline, and alow number (e.g., relatively based on the number of sensor pixels andthe number of bins used in the histogram) may be selected for theplateau limit for the histogram equalization. In one aspect, forexample, a low plateau limit (relative) may reduce the effect of peaksin the histogram and give less contrast to sea and sky while preservingcontrast for the shoreline and/or horizon regions.

FIG. 4 shows a block diagram illustrating a method 400 of implementingmodes 410A-410E and infrared processing techniques related thereto, asdescribed in reference to various embodiments of the present disclosure.In particular, a first mode refers to night docking mode 410A, a secondmode refers to man overboard mode 410B, a third mode refers to nightcruising mode 410C, a fourth mode refers to day cruising mode 410D, anda fifth mode refers to hazy conditions mode 410E.

In one implementation, referring to FIG. 4, processing component 110 ofimage capturing system 100A, 100B of FIGS. 1A, 1B may perform method 400as follows. Sensor data (i.e., infrared image data) of a captured imageis received or obtained (block 402). Correction terms are applied to thereceived sensor data (block 404), and temporal noise reduction isapplied to the received sensor data (block 406).

Next, at least one of the selected modes 410A-410E may be selected by auser or operator via control component 150 of image capturing system100A, 100B, and processing component 110 executes the correspondingprocessing technique associated with the selected mode of operation. Inone example, if night docking mode 410A is selected, then the sensordata may be histogram equalized and scaled (e.g., 0-511) (block 420),the sensor data may be linearly scaled (e.g., 0-128) saturating thehighest and lowest (e.g., 1%) (block 422), and the histogram equalizedsensor data is added to the linearly scaled sensor data for linearlymapping the dynamic range to display component 140 (block 424). Inanother example, if man overboard mode 410B is selected, then infraredcapturing component 130 of image capturing system 100A, 100B may bemoved or positioned so that the horizon is at an upper part of the fieldof view (FoV), a high pass filter (HPF) is applied to the sensor data(block 432), and the dynamic range of the high pass filtered sensor datais then linearly mapped to fit display component 140 (block 434). Inanother example, if night cruising mode 410C is selected, the sensordata is processed to extract a faint detailed part and a background partwith a high pass filter (block 440), the background part is histogramequalized and scaled (e.g., 0-450) (block 442), the detailed part isscaled (e.g., 0-511) (block 444), and the background part is added tothe detailed part for linearly mapping the dynamic range to displaycomponent 140 (block 446). In another example, if day cruising mode 410Dis selected, the sensor data is processed to extract a faint detailedpart and a background part with a high pass filter (block 450), thebackground part is histogram equalized and scaled (e.g., 0-511) (block452), the detailed part is scaled 0-255 (block 454), and the backgroundpart is added to the detailed part for linearly mapping the dynamicrange to display component 140 (block 456). In still another example, ifhazy condition mode 410E is selected, then a non-linear low pass filter(e.g., median) is applied to the sensor data (block 460), which is thenhistogram equalized and scaled for linearly mapping the dynamic range todisplay component 140 (block 462).

For any of the modes (e.g., blocks 410A-410E), the image data fordisplay may be marked (e.g., color coded, highlighted, or otherwiseidentified with indicia) to identify, for example, a suspected person inthe water (e.g., for man overboard) or a hazard in the water (e.g., fornight time cruising, day time cruising, or any of the other modes). Forexample, as discussed herein, image processing algorithms may be applied(block 470) to the image data to identify various features (e.g.,objects, such as a warm-bodied person, water hazard, horizon, orshoreline) in the image data and appropriately mark these features toassist in recognition and identification by a user viewing the display.As a specific example, a suspected person in the water may be coloredblue, while a water hazard (e.g., floating debris) may be colored yellowin the displayed image.

Furthermore for any of the modes (e.g., blocks 410A-410E), the imagedata for display may be marked to identify, for example, the shoreline(e.g., shoreline and/or horizon). For example, as discussed herein,image processing algorithms may be applied (block 475) to the image datato identify the shoreline and/or horizon and appropriately mark thesefeatures to assist in recognition and identification by a user viewingthe display. As a specific example, the horizon and/or shoreline may beoutlined or identified with red lines on the displayed image to aid theuser viewing the displayed image.

Next, after applying at least one of the infrared processing techniquesfor modes 410A-410E, a determination is made as to whether to displaythe processed sensor data in night mode (i.e., apply the night colorpalette) (block 480), in a manner as previously described. If yes, thenthe night color palette is applied to the processed sensor data (block482), and the processed sensor data is displayed in night mode (block484). If no, then the processed sensor data is displayed in a non-nightmode manner (e.g., black hot or white hot palette) (block 484). Itshould be appreciated that, in night mode, sensor data (i.e., imagedata) may be displayed in a red or green color palette to improve nightvision capacity for a user or operator.

FIG. 5 shows a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of controlcomponent 150 of infrared imaging system 100A, 100B for selectingbetween different modes of operation, as previously described inreference to FIGS. 2-4. In one embodiment, control component 150 ofinfrared imaging system 100A, 100B may comprise a user input and/orinterface device, such as control panel unit 500 (e.g., a wired orwireless handheld control unit) having one or more push buttons 510,520, 530, 540, 550, 560, 570 adapted to interface with a user andreceive user input control values and further adapted to generate andtransmit one or more input control signals to processing component 100A,100B. In various other embodiments, control panel unit 500 may comprisea slide bar, rotatable knob to select the desired mode, keyboard, etc.,without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

In various implementations, a plurality of push buttons 510, 520, 530,540, 550, 560, 570 of control panel unit 500 may be utilized to selectbetween various modes of operation as previously described in referenceto FIGS. 2-4. In various implementations, processing component 110 maybe adapted to sense control input signals from control panel unit 500and respond to any sensed control input signals received from pushbuttons 510, 520, 530, 540, 550, 560, 570. Processing component 110 maybe further adapted to interpret the control input signals as values. Invarious other implementations, it should be appreciated that controlpanel unit 500 may be adapted to include one or more other push buttons(not shown) to provide various other control functions of infraredimaging system 100A, 100B, such as auto-focus, menu enable andselection, field of view (FoV), brightness, contrast, and/or variousother features. In another embodiment, control panel unit 500 maycomprise a single push button, which may be used to select each of themodes of operation 510, 520, 530, 540, 550, 560, 570.

In another embodiment, control panel unit 500 may be adapted to beintegrated as part of display component 140 to function as both a userinput device and a display device, such as, for example, a useractivated touch screen device adapted to receive input signals from auser touching different parts of the display screen. As such, the GUIinterface device may have one or more images of, for example, pushbuttons 510, 520, 530, 540, 550, 560, 570 adapted to interface with auser and receive user input control values via the touch screen ofdisplay component 140.

In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 5, a first push button 510 may beenabled to select the night docking mode of operation, a second pushbutton 520 may be enabled to select the man overboard mode of operation,a third push button 530 may be enabled to select the night cruising modeof operation, a fourth push button 540 may be enabled to select the daycruising mode of operation, a fifth push button 550 may be enabled toselect the hazy conditions mode of operation, a sixth push button 560may be enabled to select the shoreline mode of operation, and a seventhpush button 570 may be enabled to select or turn the night display mode(i.e., night color palette) off. In another embodiment, a single pushbutton for control panel unit 500 may be used to toggle t each of themodes of operation 510, 520, 530, 540, 550, 560, 570 without departingfrom the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 shows a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of image capturecomponent 130 of infrared imaging system 100A, 100B. As shown, imagecapture component 130 may be adapted to comprise a first cameracomponent 132, a second camera component 134, and/or a searchlightcomponent 136. In various implementations, each of the components 132,134, 136 may be integrated as part of image capture component 130 or oneor more of the components 132, 134, 136 may be separate from imagecapture component 130 without departing from the scope of the presentdisclosure.

In one embodiment, first camera component 132 may comprise an infraredcamera component capable of capturing infrared image data of image 170.In general, an infrared camera is a device that is adapted to form animage using infrared radiation, which may be useful for rescueoperations in water and/or darkness.

In one embodiment, second camera component 134 may comprise anotherinfrared camera component or a camera capable of capturing visiblespectrum images of image 170. In general, a visible-wavelength cameramay be used by a crew member of watercraft 180 to view and examine theimage 170. For example, in daylight, the visible-wavelength camera mayassist with viewing, identifying, and locating a man overboard.

In various implementations, the camera components 132, 134 may beadapted to include a wide and/or narrow field of view (e.g., a fixed orvariable field of view). For example, this feature may include atelescoping lens that narrows the field of view to focus on a particulararea within the field of view.

In one embodiment, searchlight component 136 comprises a device capableof projecting a beam of light towards image 170 in the field of view. Inone implementation, searchlight component 136 is adapted to focus a beamof light on a target within the field of view of at least one of cameracomponents 132, 134 so as to identify and locate, for example, aposition of a man overboard, which would allow a crew member ofwatercraft 180 to have improved visibility of the man overboard indarkness.

FIG. 7 shows a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a method 700for monitoring image data of infrared imaging system 100A, 100B. In oneimplementation, method 700 is performed by processing component 110 ofinfrared imaging system 100A, 100B. As shown in FIG. 7, image data isobtained (block 710). In various implementations, the image data may beobtained directly from the image capture component 130 or from storagein memory component 120.

Next, the obtained image data may be processed (block 714). In oneimplementation, the obtained image data may be processed using the manoverboard mode of operation 320 of FIG. 3B to collect image data todetect an object, such as a person, falling into or in the waterproximate to watercraft 180.

Next, a man overboard (e.g., person) may be identified from theprocessed image data (block 718). In one implementation, the object(e.g., a person) may be separated from the water based on thetemperature difference therebetween. For example, when a person having abody temperature of approximately 98 degrees falls into the water havinga water temperature of approximately 60-70 degrees or less, thedifference between the temperatures is viewable with an infrared image,and therefore, the person may be quickly identified and located in thewater.

In an example embodiment, various types of conventional image processingsoftware (e.g., a software package by ObjectVideo located in Reston,Va.) may be run by processing component 110 to perform image analysis tomonitor the image data and detect a man overboard condition. In anexample embodiment, features in such conventional software may supportthe use of threshold conditions or object discrimination, for example,to distinguish non-living objects, such as a deck chair or otherinanimate objects, from a person. Programming the software package withthreshold factors such as temperature, shape, size, aspect ratio,velocity, or other factors may assist a software package indiscriminating images of non-living and/or non-human objects from imagesof humans. Thus, threshold conditions for use as desired in a givenapplication may provide that a bird flying through a camera's field ofview, for example, may be ignored, as would a falling deck chair or cupof hot coffee thrown overboard.

When a man overboard condition is suspected or determined, an operator(e.g., crew member) may be alerted or notified (block 722) so that arescue action may be initiated. In various implementations, this alertor notification may comprise an audio signal and/or visual signal, suchas an alarm, a warning light, a siren, a bell, a buzzer, etc.

Next, the specific location of the man overboard may be identified basedon the image data (block 726). In one implementation, identifying thelocation of the person may include narrowing the field of view of theimage capture component 130. For example, a lens of the infrared cameramay telescope to a position to zoom-in on the object or person in thewater or zoom-in on at least the proximate location of the person in thewater or another narrower field of view image capture component 130 maybe directed to the proximate location of the person in the water.Furthermore, a searchlight (e.g., searchlight component 136 of the imagecapture component 130) may be directed to the proximate location of theperson in the water (block 730) to assist with the retrieval and rescueof the person overboard.

When a man overboard condition is detected, for example in accordancewith an embodiment, the time and/or location of the event may berecorded along with the image data (e.g., as part of block 722 or 726),such as to aid in the search and rescue operation and/or to provideinformation for later analysis of the suspected man overboard event.Alternatively, the time and/or location may be regularly recorded withthe image data. For example, processing component 110 (FIGS. 1a, 1b )may include a location determination function (e.g., a globalpositioning system (GPS) receiver or by other conventional locationdetermination techniques) to receive precise location and/or timeinformation, which may be stored (e.g., in memory component 120) alongwith the image data. The image data along with the location informationand/or time information may then be used, for example, to allow a searchand rescue crew to leave the ship (e.g., cruise ship) and backtrack in asmaller vessel or helicopter to the exact location of the man overboardcondition in a prompt fashion as a large ship generally would not beable to quickly stop and return to the location of the man overboardevent.

Where applicable, various embodiments of the invention may beimplemented using hardware, software, or various combinations ofhardware and software. Where applicable, various hardware componentsand/or software components set forth herein may be combined intocomposite components comprising software, hardware, and/or both withoutdeparting from the scope and functionality of the present disclosure.Where applicable, various hardware components and/or software componentsset forth herein may be separated into subcomponents having software,hardware, and/or both without departing from the scope and functionalityof the present disclosure. Where applicable, it is contemplated thatsoftware components may be implemented as hardware components andvice-versa.

Software, in accordance with the present disclosure, such as programcode and/or data, may be stored on one or more computer readablemediums. It is also contemplated that software identified herein may beimplemented using one or more general purpose or specific purposecomputers and/or computer systems, networked and/or otherwise. Whereapplicable, ordering of various steps described herein may be changed,combined into composite steps, and/or separated into sub-steps toprovide features described herein.

In various embodiments, software for mode modules 112A-112N may beembedded (i.e., hard-coded) in processing component 110 or stored onmemory component 120 for access and execution by processing component110. As previously described, the code (i.e., software and/or hardware)for mode modules 112A-112N define, in one embodiment, preset displayfunctions that allow processing component 100A, 100B to switch betweenthe one or more processing techniques, as described in reference toFIGS. 2-4, for displaying captured and/or processed infrared images ondisplay component 140.

Embodiments described above illustrate but do not limit the disclosure.It should also be understood that numerous modifications and variationsare possible in accordance with the principles of the presentdisclosure. Accordingly, the scope of the disclosure is defined only bythe following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An imaging system comprising: a first infraredcamera configured to be mounted at a first position on a watercraft tocapture first infrared images of a first field of view around at least aportion of a perimeter of the watercraft; a second infrared cameraconfigured to be mounted at a second position on the watercraft tocapture second infrared images of a second field of view around at leastanother portion of the perimeter of the watercraft; and a processingcomponent configured to perform specific image processing operations onthe captured first and second infrared images to detect an object inwater around the perimeter of the watercraft.
 2. The imaging system ofclaim 1, wherein the processing component is further configured to trackthe object in the water using the captured first and/or second infraredimages.
 3. The imaging system of claim 1, wherein the processingcomponent is further configured to identify a location of the object inthe water based on the captured first and/or second infrared images. 4.The imaging system of claim 1, wherein the processing component isfurther configured to mark the captured first and/or second infraredimages to identify the object in the water.
 5. The imaging system ofclaim 4, wherein the mark is a color code or a highlight.
 6. The imagingsystem of claim 1, further comprising a visible light camera configuredto capture a visible light spectrum image around the portion of theperimeter of the watercraft to assist in detection of the object in thewater.
 7. The imaging system of claim 1, wherein at least one of thefirst and second infrared cameras is a pan-tilt controlled camera or azoomable camera operable to zoom-in on the object in the water.
 8. Theimaging system of claim 1, wherein the object is a person.
 9. Theimaging system of claim 1, further comprising a touch screen displaycomponent, wherein the touch screen display component comprises acontrol component integrated as part of the touch screen displaycomponent to operate as both a user input device and a display device.10. The imaging system of claim 9, wherein the control componentcomprises a control panel unit configured to provide a control functionselected from the group consisting of an auto-focus function, a menuenable and selection function, a field of view function, a brightnesscontrol function, a contrast control function, a gain control function,an offset control function, a spatial control function, and a temporalcontrol function.
 11. A method comprising: capturing first infraredimages with a first field of view around at least a portion of aperimeter of a watercraft using a first infrared camera mounted at afirst position on the watercraft; capturing second infrared images witha second field of view around at least another portion of the perimeterof the watercraft using a second infrared camera mounted at a secondposition on the watercraft; and performing specific image processingoperations on the captured first and second infrared images to detect anobject in water around the perimeter of the watercraft.
 12. The methodof claim 11, further comprising tracking the object in the water usingthe captured first and/or second infrared images.
 13. The method ofclaim 11, further comprising identifying a location of the object in thewater based on the captured first and/or second infrared images.
 14. Themethod of claim 11, further comprising marking the captured first and/orsecond infrared images to identify the object in the water, wherein themark is a color code or a highlight.
 15. The method of claim 11, furthercomprising, with a visible light camera, capturing a visible lightspectrum image around the portion of the perimeter of the watercraft toassist in detection of the object in the water.
 16. The method of claim11, wherein at least one of the first and second infrared cameras is apan-tilt controlled camera or a zoomable camera operable to zoom-in onthe object in the water.
 17. The method of claim 11, wherein the objectis a person.
 18. The method of claim 11, further comprising displayingthe first or second infrared images using a touch screen displaycomponent, wherein the touch screen display component comprises acontrol component integrated as part of the touch screen displaycomponent to operate as both a user input device and a display device.